Laceration to right index finger

The Energeo Alliance (formerly IAGC) have published a safety alert relating to a crew person who suffered a laceration to the right index finger whilst going through a door on a vessel.

What happened

The worker was entering a workshop container located on deck. They opened the door with their right hand and stepped inside holding the door with their right hand to close it behind him. As the door closed, the wind and the movement of the vessel combined to cause the door to close more quickly than anticipated. The injured person’s right index finger got caught between the door edge and the door frame, causing a laceration to the right index finger.

Lessons Learned

• Safety by design: work areas should be designed safely to avoid injuries. Doors inside and outside the accommodation are potential pinch points and this should be addressed in planning;
• Avoid complacency and maintain awareness of the surrounding conditions – take extra care when the vessel is moving during rough weather.
• Ordered and installed heavy duty door shock absorbers (automatic closers) to eliminate the possibility of being caught in the door and getting injured.

Members may wish to refer to:

• LTI: Hand injury resulting from clothing catching on door
• Line of fire: pinched finger between door and frame
• Crushed finger